The Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) and Vidya Bharati Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan (VBUSS) jointly organized a two-day National Workshop on the theme of ‘National Education Policy 2020: Model Curriculum and Content in Geography’ in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR, New Delhi). The event organized on December 10th and 11th December 2023. The workshop commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp of knowledge and wisdom, accompanied by Saraswati Vandana and the ritual recitation of the University’s Kulgeet. Esteemed resource persons from India’s prestigious academic institutions participated, sharing valuable insights on the successful planning and implementation of the New Education Policy.
Day 1 (10th December 2023: Prof. Ravi Kant, Director of the National Workshop, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, followed by their felicitation. Prof. Kiran Kumari, Co-Director of the programme, provided a comprehensive introduction to the workshop’s agenda. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Narendra Kumar Taneja, General Secretary of VBUSS, who emphasized the vastness of the Indian concept of knowledge, extending beyond materialism. He drew from Vedas to illustrate that many inventions and discoveries were pre-dated and explained in Indian Vedas.
Prof. Koppella Narayana Prudhvi Raju, Former Head of the Department of Geography at Banaras Hindu University, emphasized that India is recognized as a superpower due to its pioneering role in knowledge in both social and mental realms. He highlighted that Vedas encompass not only religious teachings but also contemporary knowledge.
In his presidential address, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CUSB Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh discussed the importance of making the study of geography and other subjects India-centric. He pointed to the need to integrate indigenous knowledge into the curriculum. He also emphasized on National GeoSpatial Policy, 2022 which aims to establish high-resolution topographical survey and mapping by 2030.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tarun Kumar Tyagi, Convenor of the Workshop, expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions.
Day 2 (11th December 2023:
Dr. Manjit Singh (Department of Geography) welcomed the well renowned resource persons whose unique expertise in their field helped in pointing out a systematic framework for modelling the Geography curriculum in the presence. The day started with the enriched expert in their domain Dr. Binod Kumar Singh who highlighted the role of National Atlas and Thematic Mapping (NATMO) in preparing the Model Curriculum and content in Geography. He also pointed out the different branches of Geography which can be inculcated in the course curriculum. His priceless suggestion was followed by Prof. Rabi Narayan Kar who emphasized the ‘Integration of Indian Pedagogy in Classes of Geography’ and made the audience aware about the different branches of Geography. Later, Prof. Arun Kumar Singh enlightened the house on India’s rich traditional heritage and its link with Geography by citing different Urban Planning Models and its link with India’s enriched history and practices in urban means. His suggestions were followed by Prof. Yamanur Venkata Krishnaiah who shared his views on Spatial Planning & Management Tools & Techniques in Geography. Sh. Prafull Kumar Singh provided invaluable insights and suggestions regarding the content selection in making a curriculum.
This was further followed by telecasting the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s address on the theme “Ideas for the Vision Viksit Bharat@ 2047” where he highlighted the transitioning of our education with the view of “Vyakti Nirman se Rashtra Nirman” path. This was followed by a view of Dr. Mukesh Kumar who deliberated that, Local Knowledge of Geography is pivotal for survival of a human being. The programme concluded with the speech of Chief Guest Shri K.N. Raghunandan who shared his vast experience and ideas regarding Indian Knowledge System. Prof. Ravi Kant delivered the presidential address and Dr Tarun Kumar Tyagi gave vote of thanks.
